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  1. #1
    FEP Power Member richpet's Avatar
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    Default Transmission X-member - that sucks

    My last build was an '83. This '81 Granada has been great in some ways (it had a quadrant set up and not direct pull clutch) but I had no idea you needed a narrow version of the double hump to run a T5. I got one from a guy that was wider where it mounts to the body. Just found out today after installing the trans. Ordered a Stifflers unit from LMR, but in the meantime a jack stand is playing trans support...

    I keep learning new things for the earliest years of these cars.
    83 5.0 GT. Quicker than it looks! 10:1 (or just over) 306, Motorsport a332 cam, 140A alt, t5 conv, 8.8 w/ 3.27's, Edel rpm, alum rad, very worked e7's, Holley SA carb, etc... SOLD IT!!!!

    Now an 1981 Granada! .040 over 302, Edel E-street heads... Currently building a 347 because, why not?

    "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups"

  2. #2
    FEP Power Member gmatt's Avatar
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    Default

    You can just cut the mounting tubes down to fit and reinstall the bushings.

  3. #3
    FEP Power Member Broncojunkie's Avatar
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    Default

    I'm usually the guy that likes modifying what I have to make it work. But after going with the Stifflers crossmember on my pace car, I don't think I'll ever use a stock one again.
    79 Pace Car - 331, t5
    79 Pace Car- 302, 4 spd
    79 Cobra - working on 351w, t5
    82 Capri- working on 302, t5
    82gt - working on 408w, c4

  4. #4
    FEP Power Member richpet's Avatar
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    Default

    I actually thought about just cutting the tubes down, but I don't have a good way to do that. So I either pay someone to modify an old part, or spend a few bucks on a new step get prettier one.
    Those old rubber bushings were pretty squishy anyway compared to my 'Vert mounts and poly trans bushing.

    Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
    83 5.0 GT. Quicker than it looks! 10:1 (or just over) 306, Motorsport a332 cam, 140A alt, t5 conv, 8.8 w/ 3.27's, Edel rpm, alum rad, very worked e7's, Holley SA carb, etc... SOLD IT!!!!

    Now an 1981 Granada! .040 over 302, Edel E-street heads... Currently building a 347 because, why not?

    "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups"

  5. #5

    Default

    Yep, I cut mine too. 10 years, no problems. You can do it with a Sawzall.

    Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
    Brad

    '79 Mercury Zephyr ES 5.0L GT40 EFI, T-5
    '17 Ford Focus ST
    '14 Ford Fusion SE Manual

  6. #6
    FEP Power Member richpet's Avatar
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    Default

    I do have a sawzall. Chose the new pretty route though.

    Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
    83 5.0 GT. Quicker than it looks! 10:1 (or just over) 306, Motorsport a332 cam, 140A alt, t5 conv, 8.8 w/ 3.27's, Edel rpm, alum rad, very worked e7's, Holley SA carb, etc... SOLD IT!!!!

    Now an 1981 Granada! .040 over 302, Edel E-street heads... Currently building a 347 because, why not?

    "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups"

  7. #7

    Default

    IIRC, the stifflers x member can be outfitted with a driveshaft loop.
    79 Zephyr, 4.6L 4v/4r70w swap, with team z front and rear suspension, 8.8 and upgraded brakes and coil overs. Running Holley Terminator X Max.

  8. #8
    FEP Power Member richpet's Avatar
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    Default

    It can, yes, but am not using one.
    It will be a fun street car.

    Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
    83 5.0 GT. Quicker than it looks! 10:1 (or just over) 306, Motorsport a332 cam, 140A alt, t5 conv, 8.8 w/ 3.27's, Edel rpm, alum rad, very worked e7's, Holley SA carb, etc... SOLD IT!!!!

    Now an 1981 Granada! .040 over 302, Edel E-street heads... Currently building a 347 because, why not?

    "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups"

  9. #9

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by richpet View Post
    It can, yes, but am not using one.
    It will be a fun street car.

    Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
    Will be interesting to see how it installs. I bought one for my car. I went to install it, and I will have to cut the sleeves down.
    I will be running a 4r70w, so I need to have the trans in the car to figure out how much to cut off. (fore/aft)
    It looks like a quality piece though.
    Mine’s a street car too, but I would like to take to the track at least once to see how she does
    79 Zephyr, 4.6L 4v/4r70w swap, with team z front and rear suspension, 8.8 and upgraded brakes and coil overs. Running Holley Terminator X Max.

  10. #10
    FEP Power Member richpet's Avatar
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    Default

    The only anti-their directions thing for me:
    For a T5 with a poly bushing they say to use the two included spacers.
    With no spacers used my shifter base about rubs the top of the trans tunnel.
    So, no spacers for me.

    Ironic since I will have to use spacers to 'drop' my front antisway bar frame mounts because the bar hits the oil pan.

    Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
    83 5.0 GT. Quicker than it looks! 10:1 (or just over) 306, Motorsport a332 cam, 140A alt, t5 conv, 8.8 w/ 3.27's, Edel rpm, alum rad, very worked e7's, Holley SA carb, etc... SOLD IT!!!!

    Now an 1981 Granada! .040 over 302, Edel E-street heads... Currently building a 347 because, why not?

    "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups"

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